Appetizers have been wolfed down. Now it’s time for the main course: the conference semifinals of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The playing field has been sliced in half. Only eight teams remain in the postseason tournament, but the slope becomes increasingly steep from here on out. The competition becomes tougher, hits become bigger and goals become ever-so-important.
The smallest mistake could alter, let alone decide, a series.
The No. 1 seed in each conference remains intact in Pittsburgh and Chicago. On paper, the path to the Stanley Cup Final appears to be in their favor.
However, the opposition could prove challenging.
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh eliminated the New York Islanders in six games, while Ottawa cruised past Montreal in five. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins triumphed in a pair of memorable Game 7 tilts to reach the second round.
The Penguins will host the Senators in a pivotal matchup that could feature high-scoring affairs throughout the series.
Pittsburgh averages over four goals per game, wh ...
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Article written by Tyler Poslosky
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